Tag: God

Posted in Bible study, From Broken to Restored, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

The Best You Can

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored / w1d3

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8; SOAP / Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, 24 because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

While our SOAP verse comes from Colossians I couldn’t help but get caught up with pieces of the passage from Nehemiah. Namely, that Nehemiah sought God before seeking the King’s favor toward him; and that Nehemiah had a plan and a purpose – and God was with him.

Do then the best you can, not for reward – not for the praise of man – but for the LORD.

The instructions we find in verses twenty-three and twenty-four of Colossians chapter three are very similar to the instructions we find in Nehemiah. Paul teaches the people that when we are truly serving the Lord Jesus we will work enthusiastically for the LORD and not for the glory or pleasure of the people. We will look forward to our ‘inheritance’ as a sure and certain reward. Surely no reward or praise that man may give can be better than the inheritance of eternal life with our God.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

Going Further
Pause to Worship
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time

Waiting is Difficult

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Based on the Love God Greatly Study, From Broken to Restored

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Ezra 1:1-4, 7:1-10; 2 Peter 3:8-13 / SOAP: 2 Peter 3:9-10

 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; when it comes, the heavens will disappear with a horrific noise, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze, and the earth and every deed done on it will be laid bare.

2 Peter 3:9-10

Part of the back story of our study is that God allowed Jerusalem to be taken captive by Babylon because of their idolatry and disobedience. During this time many people were killed, the temple was destroyed, and Jerusalem was laid to waist. It’s easy to consider this ancient history of God’s people not relevant to us today but it is – not just concerning the history of God’s people but concerning the promises and faithfulness of our God. Commentators for gotquestions.org describe it as something that Christians should be familiar with, saying:

The seventy-year period of the Babylonian captivity is an important part of Israel’s history, and Christians should be familiar with it. Like many other Old Testament events, this historical account demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people, His judgment of sin, and the surety of His promises.

gotquestions.org

In their devotional on today’s passages the LGG team wrote the following:

The Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took the people into exile by transporting them to Babylon, where they remained for seventy years. -Nehemiah was living in Persia, not having returned to Jerusalem like many others. However, God used Nehemiah and his connections to the king of Persia to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and to turn the hearts of the people of Judah back to Him.

From Broken to Restored / week1day1

Are you waiting on something? Whether it is God’s promised return or a job, marriage, a house, a child or perhaps God’s healing hand on you or someone you know – waiting is difficult. Seventy years must have seemed like forever for the Israelites, and whatever your wait is may seem like forever – but we must remember, God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him, those who have been called according to His purpose Whether it is the redemption of His people or the strengthening of their faith – God is not waisting the time.

Father God, thank You that You do not waste time – instead You use it for good … Your good, Your glory, the good of Your people, and to accomplish Your good and holy purpose. Thank You for the hope that is ours while we wait on You God, for we see and know the truth of Your promises and the depth of Your faithfulness! In Him we pray

Going Further

What was the Babylonian captivity/exile?

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Wholehearted Engagement

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based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored, w1d1

Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11 / SOAP: Psalm 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord and do what is right.
Settle in the land and maintain your integrity.
4 Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers.
5 Commit your future to the Lord.
Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.

Psalm 37:3-5

I love the profound yet simplistic passages like this. David, the Psalmist, uses the if this, then that process, which is very much how my brain works. He gives us four directives:

  1. Trust
  2.  Obey
  3.  Live, or as it means here – Abide ( which is defined by bibleref.com as – more than merely existing or surviving . It is wholehearted engagement! ) This wholehearted engagement most likely looks like what Moses taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and what Jesus Himself said summed up all of the commandments in Luke 10:27, namely – “You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength.”
  4.  The fourth and final directive is, “Commit your future to the LORD.”

These directives are summed-up in verse 5, repeating where he started in verse 3 – “Trust in the LORD.” It is worth noting that unless you trust the LORD, the second, third, and fourth directives are unlikely to be done. When we trust – all the rest will follow, and we will find ourselves delighting in the LORD and seeing Him working in our lives.

The Psalmist says when we choose to live like this, not only will we take delight in the LORD, but that the LORD will answer our prayers and act on our behalf. What great motivation to trust and obey, to wholeheartedly engage as a faithful follower of Christ, and to commit our future to the LORD.

Prayer / Response to God’s Word

Father, You are worthy of our trust and obedience . We want to more than merely exist or survive – we desire to be wholeheartedly engaged with You and in Your work. Help us to faithfully abide in Your Son and find our delight in You.

Going Further

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly Blog Post

Let’s Worship
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Impossible Made Possible

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Today’s Verse: Luke 1:37

 For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

The context of this particular verse is the angel’s declaration to Mary that she would have a child. When she questioned how this could be, given that she was a virgin, Gabriel gave her this assurance – “nothing will be impossible with God.” These words were a comfort to Mary and likewise a glorious truth for believers to have in their arsenal1 for the battles and trials of this life.

When we are called to do the impossible or face the seemingly impossible situations in life, like Mary, we can say –  I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word. From the virgin birth of Christ and His victory over the grave – to the doubts and fears and temptations we face daily – nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible with God. We may be weak but He is strong enough for anything we face and will enable us to overcome the impossible! Absolutely NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE with our God!

1 Arsenal: an array of resources available for a certain purpose.

Check out the inspiration for today’s post @ “Our Daily Verse”

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Live Out Loud

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Today’s Verse: James 2:17

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

I was saved at a young age and I have witnessed God strengthening my faith through the years. Actually, He continues to strengthen it day by day, trial by trial, miracle by miracle, and unending mercy, love, and grace. I can look back now and see how God pursued me when I wasn’t pursuing Him. In His goodness He convicted me when my life’s actions did not align with my profession of faith.

Today’s verse is a reminder to stay in God’s Word and live like Jesus every day – so that our faith will continually be strengthened and always accompanied by actions that speak louder than words.

What does active faith look like?

It looks like Jesus – which includes things like …

  • loving others like He loved us
  • forgiving others who wrong us
  • showing kindness to friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies
  • helping a ‘neighbor’ in need
  • loving even your enemy
  • loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength
  • sharing with others in need
  • Sharing the Gospel message
  • and so much more, not the least of which is
    • laying down your life for your friend and
    • dying to self – daily

Wake the neighbors, get the word out
So come on crank up the music, climb a mountain and shout
This is life we’ve been given, made to be lived out loud

Steven Curtis Chapman – Live Out Loud

May we let the evidence of God and His goodness flow from our lives and words everyday – all day!

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'Our Daily Verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Alive and Active

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Today’s Verse: Hebrews 4:12

When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer.

Hebrews 4:12

One of the ways I see God’s goodness is the way He uses His Word to guide us, teach us, and correct us. He equips us with the Word and fills us with peace, verse after verse encourages us and gives us hope. He uses His Word in so many ways in the lives of His children. He uses it as a light for those who have wandered away from His path – and as salvation for those who are lost.

Every word is living and filled with power. Every Word is trustworthy and true, providing strength for the weary and hurting and wisdom for the confused. It is food for our soul and healing for the broken. Without it we would be lost – both literally and figuratively.

Response to God’s Word

God thank You for Your living and Holy Word. May its light always be my guide and its power my strength! Help me to walk by them to talk of them morning, noon, and night – to use them faithfully to teach, to encourage, and to equip others til the whole world knows You and lives by every active Word You’ve spoken.

Ancient words ever true – changing me and changing you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouTgX9hcwk4
Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Pursuit of His Presence

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TODAY’S VERSE: PSALM 42:1

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

Psalm 42:1

Chances are if I proclaimed to a crowd of believers – “God is Good” – the crowd would respond: “All the time!” – And to this I would respond with another – “God is Good”. Active followers of Jesus understand that God is good. We have tasted His goodness and seen it, and because of that we long for it, we search for it, we pursue it – even as a deer searches for water. He is our refuge, our source of strength, and refreshment when the way seems long and our minds and bodies grow weary. When life seems devoid of hope – He is a well-spring of life – just as water is a source of life for the deer. We can find no true hope or quenching of our soul except in God.

There are many ways we can seek Him, watching for His goodness and spending time in prayer are among my favorite ways – but oh how I love to sit with Him in His Word. For it is more than a book with words on a page – it is truly a living and active way to connect with Him. To sit in His presence fills me with joy and peace and leaves me wanting more. I pray it is the same for you. If not, or if you would like to know more about spending time with God – reach out to me in the comment section or via the email in my bio.

May your soul long for God and pursue Him all the days of your life. For there is no hope or quenching of our soul except in God –

Me – from the InsideOut🦋
Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The World-vs-Your Soul

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Today’s Verse: Mark 8:36

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:36

Have you ever known someone that was never satisfied? You know, the person who seems to have everything going for them but they’re just never content. Their lack of satisfaction or contentment motivates them to grasp at the next best thing “the world” offers with the thought or the hope that “it” will make them happier. A better car… a bigger house… a better relationship…a better job… more money… more status… more accolades… more happiness… you get the picture. The list is endless and exhausting, and according to today’s verse – it can be dangerous.

Don’t get me wrong, none of these things in themselves are bad – but the danger comes when our motive is based on what the world offers or says is best rather than on the reality of what God has given us. For God has graciously gifted us with “life to the full”(John 3:16 and 10:10). This gift includes the Kingdom of Heaven and an eternity in paradise with Him! There is nothing better or anything in the world that can make our joy and contentment fuller than this. 

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'our daily verse'

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Created for Good Works

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Today’s Verse: Ephesians 2:10

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do

Ah, to know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made is a great encouragement but to know that we are “God’s handiwork, created ‘in’ Christ Jesus to do good works” is an added blessing. As it is another reminder that God is intimately involved in our lives from birth to rebirth and even to death – as we know that He alone has “numbered our days”, (Psalm 139:16 and Job 14:5). It is also a beautiful invitation or clarification that He wants us, even expects us, to be actively involved with Him in His work.

Understandably, to know that God created “good works” for us to do can also be a bit daunting and challenging – both in concept and in the reality of knowing what those good works are – and carrying them out. However, we must remember that what He has called us to do – He has also equipped us to do, (2 Peter 1:3-4).

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1;3-4
Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'

Going Further

What does Ephesians 2:10 mean?

Ephesians 2:8–9 is an extremely popular passage of Scripture. Since those two verses are so often quoted, many miss out on verse 10 when seeking to understand God’s salvation by grace through faith. However, this important statement offers tremendous insight into what God desires after salvation. God calls us His workmanship or His artwork, from the Greek word poiēma. We are something crafted, with skill and a purpose, by God, for His purposes.

Specifically, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Good works do not give us salvation, but they are absolutely meant to be the result of salvation.

Interestingly, God prepared what He wanted us to do for Him long ago. He has already planned what He wants us to do with our lives. We do not need to copy what someone else has done or is doing. He has a unique plan for each of us to serve Him in this world. This includes certain spiritual gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to lead us in service to Him.

Bibleref.com
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Wonderfully Made

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Today’s Verse: Psalm 139:14
Sin’s Effects on God’s Wonderful Creations

David is right, the body is an intricate creation – unique from all of God’s other creations, and a true testimony of His wonderfully, amazing, miraculous works. Let’s get real though – do you sometimes read this verse and roll your eyes or grimace, knowing you don’t feel wonderfully made? I mean in these days of increasing aches and pains of age and less than stellar care that I have given this particular vessel through the years – I am grimacing! Don’t get me wrong, it is good to be reminded that when God “formed me in my mother’s womb”, I was “wonderfully made”. It is an encouraging truth and a wonderful reminder of the power and creativity of God – but, I admit this body doesn’t always feel like it.

More Like a Mess –

I don’t know about you, but I find myself seeking His mercies and strength more and more as I weather the consequences of the lack of self care and/or good habits, or simply the aging process on this earthly body. I pray for His help and healing of what feels more like a mess than a fearfully and wonderfully made body. While I know I cannot undo the aging process or the role my choices have played on this body, I am equally certain that to live in regret and fear or misery is not glorifying to God and only robs me of the rich and satisfying life that Christ came to give, which is exactly what the enemy wants. His purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants us to be miserable and to turn away from God.

Satan Has No Authority Here

Even as I was writing about the enemy’s purpose – I was reminded of an old song that declares satan has no authority over me, for this habitation was created by God and for God’s glory. All authority belongs to God – who fearfully and wonderfully created us. And, this same Creator works all things, including our messes and poor choices, together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose – and this for His glory. 

Check out today's inspiration @ 'our daily verse'